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County picks Bayou design for Bayou District courthouse project; Milton weighs partnership
Summary
Staff said the county commission unanimously named Bayou as its top choice for a courthouse-led downtown redevelopment that would restore the historic courthouse, add mixed housing, a riverside amphitheater and stormwater park features; Milton staff urged CRA and council review before committing.
County and city staff told Milton’s Community Improvement Board that Bayou Consulting’s scheme was the county commission’s unanimous top choice to lead a courthouse revitalization and downtown redevelopment called the Bayou District.
Steven (staff) reviewed the three design schemes: the preferred scheme restores the historic courthouse, adds residential floors above ground‑level parking and includes a riverfront amphitheater and stormwater amenities. “They said Bayou was their top choice,” Steven said of the five county commissioners.
Why it matters: staff said the project could bring residents that support downtown businesses and align with the Riverfront Master Plan, but will require environmental studies, land acquisition and agreements with the city. Staff estimated an initial environmental and review period of about one year and a 3–5 year construction horizon after approvals.
Board members discussed parking and noted designs show ground‑level parking within mixed‑use buildings rather than a standalone garage. Staff described the project as a significant opportunity for the city’s CRA, projecting a TIF uptick of roughly $130,000 a year from the development if it proceeds as planned.
Next steps: Bayou will finalize term sheets and present to the city council and CRA for review; staff asked CIB to champion the concept during upcoming county and council discussions.
